Arsenal gave another transfer kitty boost when Lucas Torreira joined Galatasaray for a £5.5million fee

LUCAS TORREIRA has finally ended his Arsenal nightmare after joining Galatasaray on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old was one of seven squad members put up for sale this summer after being deemed redundant by Mikel Arteta.

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Having established himself as a key player in his first season after joining from Sampdoria for £22million in 2018, the Uruguay international quickly fell out of form in his sophomore year.

As a result, he has spent the last two years away from the Emirates after being loaned to Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina respectively.

And he’s now gone on a permanent transfer with the Gunners, believed to have pocketed £5.5million.

He is the third high-profile sale of the summer after Matteo Guendouzi was sold to Marseille for £9million.

Meanwhile, Germany goalkeeper Bernd Leno joined Fulham in an £8million deal to play football in the first team.

Although Torreira is longing for a move to Italy or Spain, he has signed Galatasaray on a four-year deal until 2026.

A statement from the Arsenal club read: “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Lucas for his contribution during his time with us.

“We wish Lucas and his family the best of health and happiness in their new chapter at Galatasaray.”

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Torreira has expressed his delight at working with the Super Lig side as he insisted the club’s fan base helped him join.

He told Galatasaray’s website: “I am very happy to come here. I’ve thought about it with my family.

“Nando Muslera [goalkeeper] and my manager were very helpful. I am very happy that I made this decision.

“There was incredible support. After there was talk about it, fans started targeting me on social media.

“They even started communicating with my family and loved ones.

“They also contributed to this decision. I felt really good. I’m proud of the jersey I’m wearing. I’m really happy to come here.

“Since I came to this club I have met so many good people. I will get used to the city, the club and my teammates. I will do my best to make history here.”